Should You Rekey or Change Locks When Moving?

Should You Rekey or Change Locks When Moving?

Moving to a new home is an exciting but hectic time. Amidst all the chaos, one crucial aspect that should not be ignored is the security of your new property. When it comes to safeguarding your home, the decision between rekeying or changing the locks can be a challenging one. In this blog post, we will explore the factors to consider when making this decision and help you determine whether you should rekey or change locks when moving.

1. Understanding Rekeying and Changing Locks

Before delving into which option is best for you, it is essential to understand the difference between rekeying and changing locks. Rekeying involves altering the internal components of the locks to render the existing keys useless. This process allows you to keep the existing hardware but requires a locksmith to create new keys that will work with the rekeyed locks. On the other hand, changing locks involves completely replacing the entire hardware, including the lock cylinders, handles, and keys.

2. Cost Considerations

One of the primary factors that can influence your decision is the cost involved. Generally, rekeying is a more cost-effective option compared to changing locks. Rekeying only requires the services of a locksmith to adjust the internal components, which is typically less expensive than purchasing and installing new locks. If you are looking to save some money while still ensuring the security of your new home, rekeying may be the preferable choice.

3. Security Concerns

The level of security you desire for your new home is an essential consideration when deciding between rekeying and changing locks. Rekeying provides a sufficient level of security when there are no concerns about compromised key copies or unauthorized access. By rendering the previous keys useless, rekeying ensures that only the new keys provided by the locksmith can access your home. However, if you have concerns about the condition or integrity of the existing locks, changing locks might offer a higher level of security and peace of mind.

4. Key Control and Peace of Mind

Key control is another factor to consider when deciding between rekeying and changing locks. Rekeying eliminates the risk of lost or stolen keys being used to gain access to your new home. With new keys in your possession, you have complete control over who can enter your property. Changing locks takes key control a step further by completely replacing the existing locks and ensuring that no previous keys can operate the new hardware. If you want absolute peace of mind and complete control over access, changing locks might be the better option for you.

5. Condition and Compatibility of Existing Locks

The condition and compatibility of the existing locks in your new home are vital considerations. If the locks are in good working condition and meet your security requirements, rekeying can be a suitable choice. Rekeying allows you to keep the existing hardware, which might be beneficial if you have specific aesthetic preferences or if the locks are of high quality. However, if the locks are worn out, damaged, or incompatible with your security needs, changing locks would be the recommended course of action.

6. Convenience and Time Constraints

Moving into a new home already requires a significant amount of time and effort. Rekeying can be a more convenient option if you are looking to minimize the time and disruption associated with changing locks. Rekeying can often be completed more quickly than changing locks, as it does not involve removing and replacing hardware. If you are on a tight schedule or simply want to settle into your new home as soon as possible, rekeying might be the more convenient choice.

Conclusion

When it comes to ensuring the security of your new home, the decision between rekeying and changing locks is a personal one that should be based on several factors. Considerations such as cost, security concerns, key control, the condition of existing locks, and convenience can all influence your decision. While rekeying is generally a more affordable option, changing locks offers a higher level of security and control. Ultimately, the choice between rekeying and changing locks should be made based on your specific needs and priorities for your new home.

Can’t decide which option to go with? Let us help! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!

Categorised in: Lock Change, Rekey Locks

This post was written by admin